Rohit Sharma lauds Rishabh Pant's stunning comeback to Test cricket
What's the story
Indian cricket team captain, Rohit Sharma, has praised wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant for his impressive return to Test cricket. The commendation comes after Pant's standout performance in the first Test against Bangladesh. This marked his first appearance in the format following a hiatus of over 20 months. In the first innings, Pant scored a determined 39 off 52 balls when India was struggling at 34/3.
Stellar performance
Pant's century in 2nd innings
In the second innings, Pant showcased his batting prowess by scoring a splendid 109 off 128 balls. This feat marked his sixth Test century, placing him alongside MS Dhoni as India's leading centurion among wicketkeepers in this format. Sharma acknowledged the challenges Pant faced following a severe car accident and commended his resilience during these difficult times.
Captain's admiration
Sharma praises Pant's love for Test cricket
Sharma expressed admiration for Pant's passion for Test cricket during the post-match presentation. He said, "He came back in the IPL, followed by a successful World Cup and this is a format he loves the most." The captain further added that it was about giving him game time and credited Pant for making an immediate impact upon his return.
Comeback trail
Pant's journey back to cricket after accident
Pant's previous Test match was also against Bangladesh on December 25, 2022, where he scored an impressive 93 in the first innings. However, a near-fatal car accident while traveling home for New Year celebrations sidelined him for 15 months. He made his return to the field in IPL 2024 and later donned the Indian jersey during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
Game strategy
Pant's mature approach in comeback match
In his comeback Test against Bangladesh, Pant adopted a more measured approach than his usual aggressive style. He capitalized on loose deliveries for boundaries but refrained from risky shots, indicating a newfound maturity in his game. His half-century came off 88 balls, slower than his typical pace but reflective of the strategic changes he has made since returning to the sport.
Summary
Summary of the 1st Test
India scored 376 in their 1st innings, riding on a century from R Ashwin and a score of 86 from Ravindra Jadeja. In response, Jasprit Bumrah's four-fer saw Bangladesh fold for 149. India declared their second innings at 287/4 thanks to centurions Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant. Chasing a mammoth 515, Bangladesh fought well but eventually fell way short of the target.